Arts & Entertainment

'Law' proves punk, acoustic won't mix

By Leslie Smith
The Daily Cougar

 Unwritten Lawis new CD, Music in High Places, was recorded live at Yellowstone National Park and from listening it is just another typical, unplugged album. The CD is a compilation of songs gathered from previously produced albums and honestly, it seems as if the songs would have been better left alone.

  Punk music is established as such by the heavy, ever-changing rhythm and sharp electric guitar sounds. When this element is taken out of the equation all that is left is another classic acoustic rock group. 

 In some cases, some bands can pull this off with their songs, but Unwritten Law fails miserably short of this bench mark. Once up-beat songs now lend themselves to being overly melancholy. This poses a problem in that most melancholy songs have deep, emotionally stirring lyrics and haunting tunes, whereas Unwrittenis lyrics seem predictable and their tunes are unoriginal. 

The cd begins with the songs "Before I Go" and then moves onto "Rest of my Life." Both of these would be great for the radio and are audience friendly. The next song "Seein' Red" seems to be somewhat reminiscent of Sublime, not too much unlike several of their other songs on this album. 

 "Up All Night" was a prime example of punk to acoustic gone seriously wrong. The entire song seems to be this one chord strummed over and over which tries the patience of the ears.  What is worse is when lead vocalist, Scott Russo, attempts to hit notes that seem slightly out of his range. When the electric guitar and other back up is there to cover it, it comes off okay, but in the raw of just a man and his guitar, it is nearly intolerable.  Song five, "Blame It On Me," offers a break from the previous styles and gives the band a chance to break out in old near-rockabilly fashion. This might very well be one of the best songs on the album. 

 "Geronimo" is slightly engaging and is a song that can actually be sat through all the way through, if only to hear the attempt at weaving melodies. The rest of the cd goes by with nothing much to note accept a few impressive guitar riffs. 

  All in all, the album is not bad, just unimpressive and uncreative. Most of the tunes take place in the same key so all the songs could practically blend into one another and it would never be noticed.

 Unwritten Law did a great job of creating a disc that does not require much of the listener, be it emotionally or mentally. Their new cd, Music in High Places, can be found in local music stores along with their other albums. 

Unwritten Law
Music in High Places
Atlantic Records
Verdict:  Fans of Unwritten Law will appreciate this album a lot more than first time listeners.

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